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Germany 3-0 Republic of Ireland | World Cup qualifying match report

This was never in doubt. Neither the result, nor Germany securing their automatic passage to the World Cup next summer and, as such, it was not an occasion that stirred the senses. There were Mexican waves from the crowd and beers in the home dressing-room afterwards yet it was more a case of…

World Cup 2014 qualifiers clockwatch – as it happened | Jacob Steinberg

Minute-by-minute report: Belgium beat Croatia to qualify for the World Cup, before Germany and Switzerland sealed their places Jacob Steinberg

Ten things to watch in the next matches

Being defensive is against the Belgium manager's beliefs; Nicklas Bendtner set for timely Denmark return; with Luis Suárez in intimidating form the momentum should be Uruguay 1) One more point for Belgium To the delight of hipsters across the land, or at least the social media landscape,…

Republic of Ireland's Noel King waits on Robbie Keane for Germany

• Keane received kick on an ankle in training • King hoping Keane will be ready for Germany tie The Republic of Ireland could be without the captain, Robbie Keane, for Friday's World Cup qualifying tie against Germany, making the task that confronts Noel King in his first game as…

Mesut Özil: Why I'm loving Arsenal, London and the Premier League

• Arsène Wenger is a super coach, says club record signing • Özil will win his 50th cap for Germany against Ireland Mesut Özil has suggested he has found his perfect fit at Arsenal as he moves on from the acrimony that soured his departure from Real Madrid to thrive in…

Derry City v Shamrock Rovers (Sat)

Derry City will be without Ryan McBride, Michael Duffy and Josh Treacey for the crucial Premier Division game against Shamrock Rovers.

Darron Gibson ready to 'start all over again' with Republic of Ireland

• Everton midfielder returns after Giovanni Trapattoni sacking • 'I have got something to prove,' says 25-year-old Darron Gibson says that he has to prove himself all over again at international level after ending his self-imposed Republic of Ireland exile in the wake of Giovanni…

Republic must not fear Germany, says Noel King

• Interim manager says his side must have belief in Cologne • 'You don't know how the games flow', says King Noel King will send his Republic of Ireland side out against Germany under orders to do whatever it takes to secure a famous victory. The interim manager, like the departed…

Derry City 3-1 Shelbourne

Michael Rafter scores twice as Derry City beat Premier Division strugglers Shelbourne at the Brandywell.